cinnamon – The Runaway Anchor

Published on the site originally, October 30, 2023; updated for 2024.

The Old Fashioned is my primary go-to. It’s easy and it’s quick. This version will take a bit more time, but the pay off is worth it; trust me.

You’ll need to make chai simple syrup in order to mix this drink, but it’s an easy process of combining chai tea bags, maple, and vanilla. Don’t stress about it. Just give yourself a few hours to allow the syrup to cool before mixing into your cocktail. If you like chai tea or a maple old fashioned (sinatra style) you are going to love this one!

UPDATE!! We adjusted the recipe over the first season and are now including the “Runaway Version” at the bottom of the page. So, be sure to check it out!!

Cheers!

The Recipe

Chai Simple Syrup

4 chai tea bags

1/3 cup real maple syrup (don’t skimp here)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail

2oz bourbon (Four Roses is nice)

1oz Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed)

1 dash orange bitters (fee bros is nice)

2 oz chai tea simple syrup

Garnish with Cinnamon Stick and Star Anise (optional but highly recommended for aroma)

The Original Build

Chai Simple Syrup

In medium pot bring 1 cup water to a boil; remove from heat

Add chai tea bags, cover and steep for 15 minutes

Remove tea bags and add maple syrup

Bring back to a boil over high heat; boil 3-5 minutes; remove from heat

Stir in vanilla extract and set aside to cool

Keep in fridge for up to two weeks

Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and add ice

Shake for 15 seconds

Add large ice cube to a low ball

Strain cocktail into low ball glass and garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise

Optional: original recipe has a splash of soda water, but I prefer my drink without it

The Updated 2024 Build

Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail (2024 Edition)

2oz bourbon (Four Roses is nice)

1 oz chai tea simple syrup

1 dash orange bitters (fee bros is nice)

Garnish with Cinnamon Stick and Star Anise

The Build

Add all ingredients to a Mixing Glass and add ice

Stir for 30 seconds

Add large ice cube to a low ball

Strain cocktail into low ball glass and garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise

Source: Runaway Anchor Version of the Original Cocktail

The Story

The Manhattan is becoming a standard at the Runaway Anchor these days. The combo of a nice spicy Rye whiskey with vermouth is great, and a good alternative if you default to the Old Fashioned all the time. If the vermouth part freaks you out, consider this cocktail.

All the standard elements are present, but with two enhancements. First a spoonful of cherry syrup. This is the “soup” your Luxardo cherries are swimming around in. Just grab a barspoon of the sauce and add that to your mixture. The other element is the cinnamon. You don’t dump cinnamon syrup in the mix though. Instead, you add a smoked cinnamon by burning a cinnamon stick and smoking the glass with it. Pay close attention to the build to get it just right. We hope you enjoy this twist on the Manhattan! Cheers!

The Recipe

1 cinnamon stick

2oz Rye Whiskey (or Bourbon if you don’t want the spicy kick)

0.75oz Sweet Vermouth

1 teaspoon Maraschino Cherry Syrup

3 dashes of Orange Bitters

Garnish: Maraschino Cherries (Luxardo is great!)

The Build

Light the Cinnamon Stick and place on a heat-proof surface, quick placing the coupe glass over the stick to trap in the smoke (this takes some practice!)

In a mixing glass, add bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters and cherry syrup

Add ice and stir for 30 seconds (give that glass time to get really smoky!)

Turn over the coupe glass and strain the cockail into it

Garnish with a couple maraschino cherries and that burnt cinnamon stick

Source: A Grateful Meal Recipe

Tag: cinnamon

Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

Smoked Manhattan w/ Cinnamon